After losing Nick Bosa to a huge injury for the rest of the year, the San Francisco 49ers could trade for linebacker Arden Key at some point during the season. According to a source, they believe the 49ers may target Key since the team has yet to find a replacement for Bosa. However, it’s interesting that they would say this since Bosa isn’t a linebacker, but is a defensive end. Either way, the 49ers are in dire need of a massive star player to fill the hole on defense, as one huge contributor could change things around for the San Francisco defense that’s been playing at its peak, even though quarterback Brock Purdy missed some time.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former LSU product could be on the trade block either way, with how the season is going for the Tennessee Titans. They don’t have an adequate offense or coaching staff to lead them to a postseason this year, as quarterback Cam Ward is undergoing “growing pains.” The team trade Key could be viable only if they get a solid draft pick in return, and the 49ers won’t be the only ones that could bite. It doesn’t matter where he plays, whether it’s at the linebacker position or down in the middle, or defensive end, Key is a versatile pass-rusher who could change things around.
49ers, Titans May Connect on Massive Arden Key Trade – 3 Other Possible Fits
Potential Suitors
Dallas Cowboys
As much as the Dallas Cowboys need some help in the defensive secondary, they can’t ignore upgrading the pass-rushing unit. Jerry Jones did say he’s open to trading one of the first-round picks for a “special” player, but that won’t be Key. He’s more of a third-round pick value that the Cowboys might eventually make at this stage. With the way the new draftees have worked out in Dallas, they’re better off getting a true defensive threat that can start now and upgrade the pass-rush.
The great thing about Key is that he could step in for Osa Odighizuwa and even help Jack Sanborn in situational moments, who has been struggling since signing with Dallas. Key can play more than one role, and since that’s the case, he should be a situational backup on most drives, so he doesn’t run out of gas. Maybe this player could be the boost Dallas needs ever since they traded away Micah Parsons.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are building a true old-school defense, but it shouldn’t stop them from pursuing other younger talents. Between Preston Smith, Daron Payne, Bobby Wagner and Von Miller, Key could find his role somewhere down the middle with Javon Kinlaw to be a disruptive force in redzone plays. He will likely be the massive defensive end option the Commanders should’ve pursued when they lost Deatrich Wise.
Baltimore Ravens
However, the Baltimore Ravens are floating in a boat without their best defensive lineman, Nnamdi Madubuike. While they have a strong linebacker group with Roquan Smith and Odafe Oweh, they’re still without Kyle Van Noy. The Ravens could finally salvage this defense to bring not only help to the linebacker corps but also defensive line assistance for Broderick Washington and Travis Jones.
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